Segal Centre announces cast of ‘Prom Queen: The Musical’

Rising Stars and Montreal Talent to Appear in New Segal Centre Musical

Montreal, July 28, 2016 –The Segal Centre is proud to announce the 18 person cast of their upcoming world premiere, Prom Queen: The Musical written by Kent Staines with lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal and music by Colleen Dauncey. This original Canadian production will be directed by Marcia Kash and is developed in association with Producer Mary Young Leckie. Inspired by the incredible, true story of Marc Hall, the Ontario teenager who took his Catholic School Board to court when they refused to let him attend prom with his boyfriend, the highly-anticipated new musical will feature both fresh and familiar faces at the Segal Centre from October 27 to November 20, 2016.

Marc Hall, the Canadian teenager who famously fought a successful legal battle against the Durham Catholic District School Board to bring a same-sex date to his high school prom.

“I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to choreograph for a brand new, Canadian musical and to be working with such outstanding young talent,” said So You Think You Can Dance Judge and Choreographer, Sean Cheesman. “I believe audiences are in for a real treat and will be getting a glimpse at major future stars.”

Youth theatre entrepreneur Alessandro Costantini stars as Marc Hall.

Sudbury’s Alessandro Costantini is a star on the rise, making his Segal debut as Marc Hall, the teen who fought for his right to bring his boyfriend to prom. Costantini is used to making waves. At 16, he approached the mayor of his hometown to start a theatre company so that he could put on Hair, a production he knew his high school would not approve of. Costantini’s company, YES Theatre (Youth Entertaining Sudbury), is now going into its 8th season and produces theatre that is meant to inspire and engage their young audience and artists. He has also starred as James in Young People’s Theatre’s production of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach.

“I was waiting to perform at a benefit for a friend of mine in my hometown. My agent texted me because I had missed her call… I started to cry because of the joy that came over me! I called my best friend Alyssa, then I went on stage, sang my tune, and felt wonderful!” – Alessandro Costantini

Kolton Stewart and Sydney Scotia, stars of Some Assembly Required, among fresh faces making their Segal debuts.

Stars of the YTV series Some Assembly Required, Kolton Stewart and Sydney Scotia will join the cast as Marc’s classmates Boomer and Carly. The pair has been known to showcase their singing and dancing talents on their YouTube channels and have been performing together for years. Up-and-comer Jonathan Cullen (seen in the 1st National Tours of The Book of Mormon and Billy Elliott) will take on the part of Marc’s closeted boyfriend, Jason.

“I was so excited when I found out that I got the role of Boomer in Prom Queen: The Musical! I watched the movie back when it came out and fell in love with the story. Now that I get to be a part of this amazing and inspiring story is unbelievable.” – Kolton Stewart

They will be joined by Stephanie Sy (the 1st National Tour of We Will Rock You) as drama geek Kristal, Hailey Alexis Lewis (recent Sheridan graduate) as her friend Tiffany, Zachary Counsil (The 39 Steps) as techie Triple X, and Lucas Meeuse (West Side Story) as their devout classmate, Otis.

“This show is not only about a Canadian hero, but a story that is so important and relevant for us to hear right now. I’m beyond honoured to be part of a show that encourages us to proudly love whoever it is that we love.” – Lucas Meeuse

Popular French Canadian artists, Katee Julien and Sylvain Scott, pair up as Marc’s parents.

Following a successful run in Juste pour rire’s production of Mary Poppins, Katee Julien (previously seen in Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables and Roméo et Juliette) takes on the role of the faithful and loyal Emily, Marc’s mother. She will be paired with Sylvain Scott (seen in Juste pour rire’s productions of Hairspray and La Mélodie du bonheur) who will play Marc’s stoic father, Audy.

“I so badly wanted to be a part of this story. Love is equality. With all the fear/anger/hate in this world, it is love that needs to be welcomed and fought for. I feel very grateful to be part of this new work with this exceptionally talented team.” – Stephanie Sy

Montrealer Jamie Mayers and Funny Girl’s Gabi Epstein back at the Segal!

Jamie Mayers and Gabi Epstein are no strangers to the Segal stage. Mayers has grown up at the Segal, first in the Academy and then starring alongside the late Theodore Bikel inLies My Father Told Me. He will be appearing as Marc’s videographer friend, Napoleon. Epstein, who recently channeled the great Barbra Streisand in last season’s Funny Girl, will take on the role of Miss Lawrence, Marc’s favourite teacher, among others. They will be joined by other familiar Montreal faces: Mike Melino (Segal Centre’s production of Guys and Dolls), Alexia Gourd (Funny Girl and Mary Poppins) and Patrick Park (Beautiful City Theatre’s recent production of Punk Rock).

“I am ELATED to be returning to the Segal Centre to be part of a brand spanking new Canadian musical whose music happens to be written by two of my dearest friends! In light of recent events, the message of the show rings even more true and I am proud to be able to help get that message out there. Fear does not shut people up. As the show states, ‘the more they try to silence us, THE LOUDER WE GET!’” – Gabi Epstein

Perennial stage and screen actors round out this dynamic Canadian cast.

Warrick, the stern and disapproving principal who bans Marc from the prom will be played by Dora Award nominee and THEA Award winner Stuart Dowling (Of Mice and Men, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, West Side Story). Jonathan Whittaker (Open Heart, The Kennedys and Chicago) will appear as Paul Vincent, the school board’s tough lawyer. Last but certainly not least, David Silvestri (Kinky Boots, Les Misérables,and the Stratford Festival productions of The Pirates of Penzance and 42nd Street) completes the cast as he takes on the role of Lonnie Wynn, Marc’s vainglorious lawyer.

“I am excited to go on this adventure with characters who don’t take a back seat in their lives when the going gets tough, but rather they press on and take a stance… AND considering that I did not go to my own high school prom, I am super stoked to be attending this one!” – Hailey Alexis Lewis

Marc Hall had this to say about cast of Prom Queen: The Musical:

“This has been an absolutely surreal experience. I never imagined my battle to take my boyfriend to the prom would lead to something like this! It’s a strange feeling to see a list of actors who are going to play you, your family, and your friends but I am extremely excited and look forward to meeting the cast! I am just thrilled that so much positivity has come from my experience.”

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts is a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to nurturing, producing and presenting world-class English-language theatre and to showcasing the best professional artists from Montreal and beyond. Founded in 1967, the Segal Centre has expanded to become a nationally recognized venue for the performing arts with a focus on creation, innovation, diversity and cross-cultural collaborations. Driven by a belief in the power of the arts to strengthen and connect communities, the Segal’s programming emphasizes original interpretations of popular classic and contemporary works, new Canadian musicals and engaging productions with universal appeal. www.segalcentre.org

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